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Well, it's happened rarely before and I just wiggled the gearshift, released the brake or moved the car a little and it would start-- but this time, it just spins. Before I crawl under and start unbolting-- any other tricks? (I've also tapped on the starter with no luck). I'd like to at least start it and get it up on my ramps rather than jack one side up.
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starter not engaging
- Thread starter jayhawk
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Geo Hahn
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[ QUOTE ]
...it just spins.
[/ QUOTE ]
If you have a pre-50000 TR3 (bulletnose or 'bomb' starter) then it sounds to me like you have a failed drive unit. Part number 46 in this illustration:
https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29170
This is a rubber-filled pair of concentric cylinders designed to take the shock of engagement. Over time the rubber can deteriorate until the part allow movement between the 2 metal portions and eventually total slip.
Mine failed about 20 years ago. Beck then replacement were unavailable so I just used a bunch of rubber strips cut from an old inner tube and pressed the two metal portions together with many layers of the strips jammed between them. I do not recommend this fix though mine has worked fine over the 2 decades since.
BTW -- the Moss page seems to indicate this part is for a post-50000 TR3 but really it is exclusively for a pre-50000 TR3. If you have a post-50K style starter then I am not sure what would allow it to spin w/o engagement.
...it just spins.
[/ QUOTE ]
If you have a pre-50000 TR3 (bulletnose or 'bomb' starter) then it sounds to me like you have a failed drive unit. Part number 46 in this illustration:
https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29170
This is a rubber-filled pair of concentric cylinders designed to take the shock of engagement. Over time the rubber can deteriorate until the part allow movement between the 2 metal portions and eventually total slip.
Mine failed about 20 years ago. Beck then replacement were unavailable so I just used a bunch of rubber strips cut from an old inner tube and pressed the two metal portions together with many layers of the strips jammed between them. I do not recommend this fix though mine has worked fine over the 2 decades since.
BTW -- the Moss page seems to indicate this part is for a post-50000 TR3 but really it is exclusively for a pre-50000 TR3. If you have a post-50K style starter then I am not sure what would allow it to spin w/o engagement.
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[ QUOTE ]
If you have a post-50K style starter then I am not sure what would allow it to spin w/o engagement.
[/ QUOTE ]With the later style starters, what usually causes them to spin w/o engagement is simple accumulation of grime and grunge. Fixing it often involves simply removing the starter, washing down the "Bendix" and reinstalling it DRY. Some folks might use a bit of graphite or other dry lubricant, but you DON'T want to use any sort of grease or oil, which attracts dirt and grime and eventually puts you right back where you...er...started (or didn't start)! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If you have a post-50K style starter then I am not sure what would allow it to spin w/o engagement.
[/ QUOTE ]With the later style starters, what usually causes them to spin w/o engagement is simple accumulation of grime and grunge. Fixing it often involves simply removing the starter, washing down the "Bendix" and reinstalling it DRY. Some folks might use a bit of graphite or other dry lubricant, but you DON'T want to use any sort of grease or oil, which attracts dirt and grime and eventually puts you right back where you...er...started (or didn't start)! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif